What does a Graphic Designer do?
Graphic Designers create digital and physical visual concepts that effectively communicate the messages their clients wish to convey. As such, the job entails more than just creating pretty visual designs. These professionals design visual solutions that are in line with a company’s brand strategy. This includes always keeping the relevant audience in mind and producing visual concepts that they’ll find informative and inspiring. Graphic Designers either form part of a company’s in-house design team and create visual concepts for that brand, or work for agencies and provide creative services for a variety of clients.
Graphic Designer skills and qualifications
Graphic Designers need a wide range of technical, business and artistic skills. They also need excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with people. They need to actively listen to the requirements and ideas of customers and team members and be able to clearly verbalise ideas and information. A successful Graphic Designer will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Creative thinking to devise original and exciting visual concepts
- Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks, as they often work on multiple projects concurrently
- Solid knowledge of media production and communication
- The ability to adapt, including shaping their ideas to meet a client’s vision
- Solid knowledge of design software, such as Illustrator and InDesign, and photo-editing packages, such as Photoshop
- Excellent teamworking skills to effectively collaborate with other creatives
- An understanding of the application of design across various digital and social platforms
Graphic Designer experience requirements
The level of experience a Graphic Designer needs depends on the position. Employers often ask to view a Graphic Designer’s portfolio to gain an understanding of the type of work they do. They may also expect that candidates have a solid track record of delivering successful design projects from conception to completion. Candidates may also need to show knowledge of relevant design and photo-editing software, as well as basic CSS and HTML. Project management experience is beneficial.
Graphic Designer education and training requirements
Although it’s not a requirement, Graphic Designers often have a foundation degree, a higher national diploma or a degree in graphic design, illustration, visual communication, product design or a related field. Some also gain valuable skills and knowledge in the field by completing an apprenticeship in design. Candidates can develop their professional skills by completing courses that are recognised by professional bodies like the Chartered Society of Designers. Examples of relevant qualifications include a Professional Diploma in Creative Arts and Design: Game Art Design from the International School Of Creative Arts (ISCA).
Graphic Designer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Graphic Designer is £24,976 per year. Salaries vary, depending on factors like location and level of experience.
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